Subject : Goans oppose everything ?

Goans opposing everything is a general representation of a view that I increasingly hear in Goa.  The interesting part is that this distorted view is mostly promoted by politicians and those having vested interests against Goa and Goans. 

I do accept that there are some genuine cases being wrongly opposed by Goans but these cases are largely in-significant vs. the overwhelming large non-genuine cases which clearly are against Goa’s interests with reference to its Environment, Ecology, People and their way of life.  And cunning politicians will bring up the very few cases that opposition was wrong, so as to justify the overwhelming large amount of Anti-Goa projects. Also needless to mention, given the Goa Government Pathetic/Destructive Track record, people are justified to be skeptical of any of the Goa Government’s plans !

We know of other cities in India which from

Originally being beautiful/livable cities are now turned into filthy, polluted & un-livable by the governance which is clearly corrupt, destructive and short sighted in their development plans. Goa is also on the same path but thanks to the efforts of some selfless/sincere activists, the Rampage of Goa’s destruction was slightly slowed down. (not sure how long these Activists can hold on against some really corrupt & destructive lobbies unless Goans Support them). I am always grateful  to these sincere activists; some of whom I know have sacrificed a lot for Goa/Goans and many times it’s a thankless Job. 

Are these politicians/ vested interests saying that Goans should blindly allow the “Clean/Sincere/Non-Corrupt/Environment Friendly/Effective” Goa Government to not share proper clear communicated plans but do what it wants with Goa and in doing so convert Goa to the likes of the other polluted/un-livable places in India ?

Subject: Goa Roads Expansion

It appears as common sense that in general we need bigger roads. But also we can’t copy paste general assumptions and but need to take into account local considerations particularly in view of Goa’s small size and particular considerations:

1) Are the Current Roads and the way they are maintained/organize/regulated and laws/rules  implemented not a big cause for accidents or we just ignore all that and just say big roads are the answer? 

For instance why do Roads also have potholes - is this not basic that should be addressed first ?

2) Goa is small compared to the other much bigger states- has the Government taken into consideration to develop roads to align with Goa’s unique characteristics or are they as we suspect,  Just copy pasting models from larger states? If they have Planned to Goa’s Requirements, why are they not sharing the same with Goans and instead keeping the road widening plans as top secret !

3) We are aware of the huge greed for political party’s / persons to make the project as huge an in-necessary as possible to ensure that their share of loot is the maximium!

4) We are aware as also being done in other states roads are also done to maximizing the real estate value of properties taken at a very low Value. If not how is that most of Goan politicians are corepathies and that to in the shortest time period!

5) In this particular case the BJP opposed the road widening / expansion when in opposition vs. the Congress but now they are following the same policies in a much worse manner. 

6) Surely If the Government gave a comprehensive Regional Plan with planned roads/widening but first addressing how Goa’s Character, Environment, Pollution  etc will be addressed, will there be lot of opposition -  Surely this is not being done by the Government. The issue is that we are aware of the Governments pathetic legacy so far where the interests of the Goa/Goans are not at all considered ; but more so how it’s a priority for The greedy politicians to Maximise their wealth and fullfill their commitments to some Devious business lobbies who want huge return in their investments in backing these politicians/parties! 

-That’s why Manohar Parrikar has openly declared for instance that funds given to parties should not be transparent to the Public. 

7) Is there really no way how we can manage a good road network whilst at the same time keeping Goa’s unique character/selling point. Do we have confidence that the Goa Government is really thinking out of their corrupt box? 

8) Goa is well appreciated vs. other Indian cities for

It’s Peaceful environment, tranquility etc. why do want to copy paste haphazard models from

These other cities which we know are messed up by incompetent politicians ?

9) Will these new road developments not encourage more un-necessary settlements, Mega projects, water shortages, pollution and concretisation Of Green Goa to the benefit of the Real Estate Lobbies, Land sharks and politicians.  What are we turning Goa into !

Considering the above points and more, I fully support stopping the reckless Goa Government and am open to work with like minded people to oppose this road extension / widening plan on a reasonable basis and only support a constructive plan which takes Goa’s interests into account. 

Subject : Goa Liberation ? 

The Liberation of Goa was supposed to be the most happiest moment in history for Goa. But are we really liberated?

1) Goa was once the most beautiful and cleanest places in India, now it's going filthy by the day. Just look at the pictures in 1961 and going into today

2) Black Money rich Indians are buying out Goan land left right and centre with the assistance of the Corrupt Goa Governments, looks like Goa is being liberated from the Goans!

3)The Centre, Goa Government and mining companies are looting and taking award most of our rich Mineral Wealth. Had we had this for Goa, we would have been one of the richest states in the world

4) At Liberation time most of the Public Administration was by Goan, now that is gradually going to be a Goan minority! Again being liberated from the Goans

5) Environment is gradually being destroyed, water/air polluted. We are gradually importing the stinking corruption from rest of India!

6) Promises made by the then Indian Government in 1961 for Goans to decide the destiny of Goa to preserve the identity of Goa and now totally ignored !!

So what are we really celebrating !!

Arwin Mesquita, Colva.  

Subject: Goa liveable again 

No one can deny the fact that India has the horrible experience to convert beautiful, livable places into absolutely the opposite via its shortsighted and destructive development policies.  Just look at Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore etc which is choked by excessive  traffic, heavy pollution, water issues  etc. I  know so many people from other cities/towns in India, who are now complaining on the same. 

By what we see happening to Goa currently, the Goa Government polices are on course to do the same. Just look at Mapusa, Vasco, Ponda and see them as signs  of things to come, which are because of the pathetic and corrupt policies of various  Central/Goa Governments.  

So the question is what we are going to do About it? I am sure if at least we be aware about it, do our little bit to speak out and take some minimum action, the overall effort will be huge to prevent the destruction/pollution of Goa and instead move forward in a more sustainable, clean and environmentally friendly manner. 

Bottom line we can’t be complacent. We have to act now for Goa or repent in leisure. 

Getting a Portuguese Passport/Leaving Goa permanently can’t be the only responses !

Arwin Mesquita, Colva.

Goan Environmental Awareness

It is extremely important that we Goans keep ourselves updated on the subject of Environmental Awareness, as else we will pay a heavy price of our complacency in the near future. While we continue to make merry in a susegad attitude, politicians and their backers with deep pockets are selling us out, destroying our environment, cutting our hills, polluting our water, land and air etc Already they are contributing to a potential water crisis in the near future by now planning the diversion of Tillari Waters (Originally meant for irrigation/drinking) to MOPA and the Mammoth Golf Course at Tiracol.

How many of us know that Goa is going to lose a lot of its land via Global Warming and with the short sighted policies, coupled with the corrupt greed of our governing authorities, the actual negative fallout will be much more serious!!  

By being aware of the severe environmental implications, local people can act as watchdogs on the actions of their respective politicians including Municipalities and Village Panchayats; to ensure the right development is taking place for the interest of the locals only and to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Arwin Mesquita.

Colva's Anonymous Letters

This could be happening in other parts of Goa but in Colva particularly, many are aware of anonymous letters being sent by some person(s); in the form of Typed out letters being posted to various individuals and also delivered anonymously to physical locations i.e. Shops, Residences etc. These letters were also sent out targeting me with all sorts of false information, so as to try to malign my reputation. I would not care much about it as such, but I appreciate that many such maligning letters are sent out against many other people in Colva, at various times in the past. The very way this being done by the person(s), shows a nature of a coward. Probably can't face out issues in a civilized manner and has to resort to such low ways. Or perhaps plans by vested interests to the detriment of Colva/Colvenkars have been challenged/stopped and hence the frustration by these person(s)!!  Surely these anonymous letter writers must be kept informed that should deemed be necessary, there are ways to unmask these type of person(s).

Arwin Mesquita, Colva. 

Goa's Massive Real Estate Scam

The recent case involving Dr. Otilia Mascarenhas, where her property was fraudently sold to an organised syndicate, is serious eye-opener to a a much serious issue in Goa today. Many were upset with the mining ban which was nothing but a consequence of years of mining scam cum environmental destruction; courtesy politicians and select mining families. The next big scam in my opinion that has to be seriously investigated is the Real Estate Sector in Goa, where I understand there is a very high rate of fraud coupled with a rapid rate of environmental destruction, hill cutting pollution of water resources etc I was shocked to see reports of eminent environmentalists on the pathetic state of the environment/ecology in Goa today. We need likes of a Shah Commission to investigate the Real Estate Fraud in Goa, as I believe the current government is not willing to address the issue; possibly due to vested interests and huge monetary stakes involved. The earlier Congress Government was destroying Goa via the real estate scam so we voted for a change, unfortunately the BJP is no better and has let Goa down big time.. Classic example is the Regional Plans which is being deliberately or rather suspiciously delayed!! Arwin Mesquita.